Blake's been doing a solid job keeping tabs on who is or isn't seeking the Athens-Clarke County mayoral slot in 2010, and it looks like Nancy Denson is in the game. Again, as Blake notes, this isn't surprising for a variety of reasons since Denson has been quietly telling folks she'd be seeking the position for quite some time now.
She joins Charlie Maddox as the only declared candidates for mayor, though Blake has an interesting conversation with former mayor Gwen O'Looney, who is also mulling over a run next year.
So ... I'm kinda concerned.
Now, I've got nothing against Maddox, Denson or O'Looney ... but does anyone else feel like that we're going through a time warp? A guy who lost in 2006? The person who's held the Tax Commissioner job since 1985? A two-term mayor from the 1990s?
I'm just curious, but how is Athens-Clarke County supposed to move forward if it elects someone from its past? And, for that matter, why should a community that has a median age of 25, with a quarter of its population between the ages of 25 and 44, have to choose between three individuals who are all more than 60 years old (particularly when only eight percent of the community's population is 65 or greater)?
I'm less concerned with someone who is 'progressive enough' or 'business-friendly' as I am with someone who is in touch with the majority of people who live in Athens-Clarke County. I'm less concerned with someone's resume as I am with someone who gets the big picture and can keep the community marching forward.
Again, it's nothing against the current crop of candidates or potential candidates, but isn't it time for some fresh blood? We've heard rumors of Athens-Clarke County District Nine Commissioner Kelly Girtz considering a mayoral run (as recently as last night), and I'd say he fits the bill. I've heard some regarding Spencer Frye, the Executive Director of the Athens Area Habitat for Humanity, and I'd say that he, too, fits the bill.
Either one of those guys - or any of the other countless young progressives in this town - would be excellent leaders for the community. Isn't it time for one of them to step up and take the mantle?
In other electoral rumor news, Bob Carson won't be running for House District 114 against Keith Heard - who may be seeking the Insurance Commissioner post - though Holly Ward, a local educational consultant, is strongly considering a primary challenge to Heard. In addition, Alvin Sheets is said to not be considering a challenge to Heard either, while Sen. Bill Cowsert has ruled out a run for Attorney General.
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I completely agree with your concerns. What I really can't understand is the number of people that say that Ms. Denson would be a great Mayor. On what basis? The fact that she has been the Tax Commissioner for the past 20 years? I am sorry, but what qualifications are shared between the two offices (besides running a campaign). How many policy decisions are made by the Tax Commissioner? The only one that I remember she making was moving to a four day work week about a year ago. Everything else she deals with are state and local directed mandates as to how to collect taxes. Very different than actually setting the policy and overall direction for the Athens community. Don't get me wrong, I think she is a very nice person and capable individual, but just not for this job at this time. Her time (should have) past a while ago.
ReplyDeleteWhy do we often elect older people? Available time and experience. Charlie and Nancy are finished (or nearly finished) with long careers that included alot of leadership over alot of issues. There is real value in decades of experience.
ReplyDeleteWhen you make the argument that young people understand young people, you're part right. But many of our problems are multi-generational. When young people are selected on the bases of being young, we'll end up with a leisure class of leaders who have the spare time without the experience our older leaders offer.
When young people are selected on the bases of being young, we'll end up with a leisure class of leaders who have the spare time without the experience our older leaders offer.Fair enough, but I don't necessarily think I'm suggesting that. My argument was that both Girtz and Frye would be solid candidates based on, yes, their connection to the majority of the community, but also from their experiences (Girtz as a commissioner and educator, Frye as a former small business owner and executive director of the area's largest non-profit).
ReplyDeleteThe experience argument, in turn, is the same thing as the 'young argument' isn't it? We shouldn't be simply electing folks because they're older and have free time, should we?
Denson or Maddox might be great mayors, but just as you're skeptical of electing someone younger, I'm equally as skeptical of electing someone because 'they've done it for a long time.'
Well put. Girtz and Frye would both be great at any office they are elected to. It obvious which camp I'm in but I think those two would be great at anything they run for.
ReplyDeleteBTW: The whole idea of Kelly and Spencer connecting with the majority of the community is kind of a weak argument. There is really no reason an older person cannot connect with a younger person. At least older people were young once and can appreciate the situation first hand. To the best of my knowledge, Spencer and Kelly have yet to be old. I could be mistaken, though.